Beauty may be skin deep but your age goes deeper still. Television says that creams can help but try a natural approach before picking up any of those other products. Aging gracefully is about more than what you can buy over the counter.

As we age, the effects of what we put into and onto our bodies begins to show. For instance, life lived in a harsh environment will affect the look and feel of your skin. Eating processed foods affects your internal environment and how it functions from year to year. With a little leg work you can change your body inside and out for a more youthful appearance no matter what your age.

1. Hydrate your body. Your body is mostly water and it needs plenty of it to function. Water flushes out impurities and toxins from the body. Your skin will glow from a healthy amount of water each day.

2. Get up and get moving. Exercise works the muscles of the body including the most important muscle, your heart. Lungs utilize oxygen more efficiently when the body is in shape. More of that oxygen gets to the brain to promote focus and overall well being. Even if you are crunched for time, most people can find at least 30 minutes to devote to some sort of physical activity each day. Exercise also releases endorphins to brighten your mood.

3. Manage your weight. Too much weight can lead to problems with your health such as high blood pressure, heart attack, stroke and heart disease. Losing weight reduces your risk factors and also promotes longevity.

4. Visit your doctor. At least once a year everyone needs a physical. Doctors can conduct a battery of tests depending on your age to check for colon health, breast health, heart and lung health. Visiting a doctor is how many diseases like cancer are caught early and treated.

5. Complement your beauty with natural treatments. Everything in the store is not good for your skin. Create your own products using plants, flowers, fruits and herbs. These natural products can do the job without harmful side effects.

6. Avoid the tanning beds and use natural sunscreen. The radiation from the sun can damage the delicate layers of the skin. Getting too much sun without any protection for your skin can lead to harmful melanomas. Protect yourself when you are outdoors to avoid premature wrinkling and drying of the skin by using natural sunscreens such as titanium dioxide & zinc oxide. Try to avoid chemical sunscreens if at all possible.

7. Eat your fruits and veggies. Your body ages as a result of the free radicals that are bombarding your insides on a daily basis. Antioxidants are the only substance that can neutralize these free radicals and stop the damage. But, antioxidants aren’t found naturally in the body. They come from the foods we ingest. Eating green leafy vegetables, bright colored vegetables and all types of fruit provide the antioxidant protection your body needs.

8. Get enough sleep. The body will only go so long without proper rest before it retaliates. When your body feels rundown, your immune system is weakened. The body needs time to repair itself and it does this during sleep. Shoot for 7-8 hours of restorative sleep every night to feel rejuvenated in the morning.

Can people tell your age? If you are having problems aging gracefully use these tips to get going on the right track. You’ll feel better and notice a more youthful appearance when you look in the mirror.